The following information can be found via the Coventry Pride website: here
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse
2020
Trigger Warning: This article and pages it links to, contains information about domestic abuse, violence, sexual assault which may be triggering for survivors. Information on support organisations can be found towards the bottom or on our services page.
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone, at any time and is any kind of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members. This includes abuse relating to gender identity or sexuality. Domestic abuse can take many forms including Psychological, Physical, Sexual, Financial and Emotional abuse.
Domestic abuse can and does happen in same sex relationships however research into the specific needs of LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse in the UK is somewhat lacking. So, what do we know?
We do know there is consistent evidence that hate crime relating to sexual orientation and gender identity remain a significant issue in England. The Home Office’ 2019 Hate Crime Statistics show a 25% increase in recorded hate crime on the basis of sexual orientation and a 37% increase on the basis on someone being, or being perceived to be, transgender when compared with the previous year.
We also know that we, as LGBT+ people, face additional challenges when compared with our heterosexual, cisgendered peers – having to deal with coming out, being comfortable with ourselves and finding trust worthy support. We know how hard it can be hard to open up.
For many people living with domestic abuse the first person they turn to is a friend or family member rather than domestic abuse services or agencies like the Police. But if we are not ‘out’ how do we (LGBT+ people) tell our friends and family that our same-sex partner is abusing us? How do we tell support services that we are being abused when we don’t know if they are trans-inclusive, or worse transphobic?
Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Coronavirus
We know lockdown has affected us all in different ways – many in our community have reported increased loneliness, isolation and feeling cut off from support networks. Nationally, evidence is emerging from statutory and voluntary agencies across the UK that lockdown is increasing incidences of domestic abuse, with reports a 25% cent increase in calls and online requests since the lockdown began in March 2020.
With the country under lockdown measures, it is also easy to assume a reduction in sexual violence, assault and rape. The Office of National Statistics show that 90% of sexual violence is committed by people known (partners, ex-partners, family, friends, acquaintances) to the survivors beforehand, compared with ‘stranger rape’.
Knowing this, our fear is that LGBT+ individuals may now, more than ever, be trapped at home with people who are abusing them. Feeling like there is nowhere to turn.
This has to stop. Help is available.
Please remember:
You are not alone
You do not have to live in fear
Help is available
You do not deserve to be abused
There is life after abuse
What can I do to help?
Report It
If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic abuse report it via:
Safe to Talk (0800 111 4998) – Coventry specific service
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 200 0247)
National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans+ Domestic Abuse Helpline (0800 999 5428).
Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (024 7627 7777)
Galop - The LGBT+ and Anti-Violence (020 7704 2040)
Galop have a range of resources which can be downloaded here:
Birmingham LGBT - Their vision is a vibrant, diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community in Birmingham, UK in which individuals can realise their full potential and have equal access to what the city has to offer (they also take referrals from Coventry)
Coventry and Warwickshire Friend - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Trans helpline offering information and support
LGBT Foundation - Our services and activities include: a range of support groups; face-to-face counselling; a helpline, email and pop-in service; a befriending scheme; a sexual health programme, (including outreach testing clinics and the largest free condom and lube scheme outside of London); anti-homophobia projects in schools; a substance-misuse project; organisational training; a range of guides and resources; a national website; advice surgeries; LGBT infrastructure support; various research projects and policy campaigning
Prism LGBT - Prism LGBTQ is an organisation dedicated to providing a youth group, information and support to LGBTQ young people and those around them
Struggles of the LGBT Community that Lead to Addiction
Recognise It
Be supportive of your family, friends, colleagues and co-workers and spot the signs of domestic violence.
Dagenham and Barking PCT have produced a range of resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, their family, and friends about domestic abuse. They give details on what abuse can look like for LGBT people, why it happens and how to keep safe. These guides were written in partnership with LGBT people and organisations who support them:
As a front-line worker:
Coventry City Council’s public health team are running a series of lunchtime webinars on a range of topics accessible by clicking here: Public health training and webinar resources